Westham Island residents face walking, shuttles, and ferry trips after a barge damaged the island’s only bridge. Repairs and reopening timeline remain uncertain.
Barge Strike Cuts Off Westham Island From Mainland
Delta’s Westham Island has been cut off from the mainland after a massive barge collided with the island’s only bridge last week. The accident has left residents walking, using shuttles, or taking ferries, with no clear date for vehicle access to resume.
Delta Mayor George Harvie called the incident a “significant strike through a barge of significant size,” highlighting the severity of the damage.
Surveys and Repairs Still Underway
TransLink, which manages the bridge, has closed it to vehicles while crews conduct thorough inspections, including underwater assessments.
“We need to finish all inspections first, then plan the repairs,” said TransLink spokesperson Thor Diakow. “Only then can we determine when vehicles can safely cross again.”
Currently, the bridge, which has stood in some form since 1909, remains accessible only on foot.
Boil Water Advisory Added to Island Worries
Adding to the disruption, the City of Delta issued a precautionary boil water advisory after discovering a leak in the watermain under the Fraser River during bridge inspections. Officials stressed the water supply has not been confirmed contaminated but advised residents to use boiled or bottled water for all essential tasks, including drinking, cooking, and washing.
Farmers Feel the Pressure
Westham Island is home to a thriving agricultural community, and local farmers are feeling the strain. BC Conservative MLA Ian Paton noted that millions of dollars in crops and livestock need to reach markets weekly.
“We’re using barges to move vehicles, but getting crops to distribution centers is a real challenge,” said Paton. “The community depends on this bridge to keep food on tables.”
Free Shuttle Service Keeps Residents Moving
While TransLink plans long-term solutions, including a potential replacement bridge in the coming years, the agency has launched a free shuttle service connecting Westham Island with Ladner and Wellington Point Park. Residents can also walk the 325-metre bridge, though vehicle access remains suspended.
For now, life on Westham Island involves extra patience, careful planning, and a lot of foot traffic — until engineers and crews can safely restore the bridge for vehicles.
